20/07/2018
What are ovarian cysts?The ovaries are part of thefemale reproductive system. They’re located in the lower abdomen on both sides of theuterus. Women have two ovaries that produce eggs as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.Sometimes, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst will develop on one of the ovaries. Many women will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime. In most cases, cysts are painless and cause no symptoms.Types of ovarian cystsThere are various types of ovarian cysts, such as dermoid cysts and endometrioma cysts. However, functional cysts are the most common type. The two types of functional cysts includefollicleand corpusluteum cysts.Follicle cystDuring a woman’s menstrual cycle, an egg grows in a sac called a follicle. This sac is located inside the ovaries. In most cases, this follicle or sac breaks open and releases an egg. But if the follicle doesn’t break open, the fluid inside the follicle can form a cyst on the o***y.Corpus luteum cystsFollicle sacs typically dissolve after releasing an egg. But if the sac doesn’t dissolve and the opening of the follicle seals, additional fluid can develop inside the sac, and this accumulation of fluid causes a corpus luteum cyst.Other types of ovarian cysts include:*.dermoid cysts: sac-like growths on the ovaries that can contain hair, fat, and other tissue*.cystadenomas: noncancerous growths that can develop on the outersurface of the ovaries*.endometriomas: tissues that normallygrow inside the uterus can develop outside the uterus and attach to the ovaries, resulting in a cystSome women develop a condition calledpolycystic o***y syndrome. This condition means the ovaries contain a large number of small cysts. It can cause the ovaries to enlarge. If left untreated, polycystic ovariescan causeinfertility.Symptoms of an ovarian cystOften times, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms can appear as the cyst grows. Symptoms may include:*.abdominal bloatingor swelling*.painful bowel movements*.pelvic pain before or during themenstrual cycle*.painful intercourse*.pain in thelower backor thighs*.breast tenderness*.nausea and vomitingSevere symptoms of an ovarian cyst that require immediate medical attention include:*.severe or sharp pelvic pain*.fever*.faintnessordizziness*.rapid breathingThese symptoms can indicate a ruptured cyst or an ovarian torsion. Both complications can have serious consequences if not treated early.Ovarian cyst complicationsMost ovarian cysts are benign and naturally go away on their own without treatment. These cysts cause little, if any, symptoms. But in a rare case, your doctor may detect acancerous cystic ovarian massduring a routine examination.Ovarian torsion is another rare complication of ovarian cysts. This is when a large cyst causes an o***y to twist or move from its original position. Blood supply to the o***y is cut off, and if not treated, it can cause damage or death to the ovarian tissue. Although uncommon, ovarian torsion accounts for nearly 3 percent of emergency gynecologic surgeries.Ruptured cysts, which are also rare, can cause intense pain andinternal bleeding. This complication increases your risk of aninfection and can be life-threatening if left untreated.Diagnosing an ovarian cystYourdoctorcan detect an ovarian cyst during a routinepelvic examination. They may notice swelling on one of your ovariesand order an ultrasound test to confirm the presence of a cyst. Anultrasoundtest (ultrasonography) is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of your internal organs. Ultrasound tests help determine the size, location, shape, and composition (solid or fluid filled) of a cyst.Imaging tools used to diagnose ovarian cysts include:*.CT scan: a body imaging device used to create cross-sectional images of internal organs*.MRI: a test that uses magnetic fields to produce in-depth images of internalorgans*.ultrasound device: an imaging device used to visualize the o***yBecause the majority of cysts disappear after a few weeks or months, your doctor may not immediately recommend a treatment plan. Instead, they may repeat the ultrasound test in a few weeks or months to check your condition.If there aren’t any changes in your condition or if the cyst increases in size, your doctor will request additional tests to determine other causes of your symptoms.These include:*.pregnancy testto make sure you’re not pregnant*.hormone level test to check for hormone-related issues, such astoo much estrogenorprogesterone*.CA-125 blood testto screen forovarian cancerTreatment for an ovarian cystYour doctor may recommend treatment to shrink or remove the cyst if it doesn’t go away on its own or if it grows larger.Birth control pillsIf you have recurrent ovarian cysts, your doctor can prescribeoral contraceptivestostopovulationand prevent the development of new cysts. Oral contraceptives can also reduce your risk ofovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer is higher in postmenopausal women.LaparoscopyIf your cyst is small and results from an imaging test to rule out cancer, your doctor can perform alaparoscopyto surgically remove the cyst. The procedure involves your doctor making a tiny incisionnear your navel and then inserting a small instrument into your abdomen to remove the cyst.LaparotomyIf you have a large cyst, your doctor can surgically remove the cyst through a large incision in your abdomen. They’ll conduct an immediatebiopsy, and if they determine that the cyst is cancerous, they may perform ahysterectomyto remove your ovaries and uterus.Ovarian cyst preventionOvarian cysts can’t be prevented. However,routine gynecologic examinations can detect ovarian cysts early. Benign ovarian cysts don’t become cancerous. However, symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Thus, it’s important to visit your doctor and receive acorrect diagnosis. Alert your doctor to symptoms that may indicate a problem, such as:*.changes in your menstrual cycle*.ongoing pelvic pain*.loss of appetite*.unexplained weight loss*.abdominal fullness
